New to Switzerland
Welcome to Switzerland: your interactive checklist for a smooth move to Switzerland. Step by step through all the important topics – from preparation to successful arrival.
Useful services
Here you can find the most important Comparis services to make your move to Switzerland easier.
Withholding tax
Property marketplace
Health insurance
Internet, TV and landline
Home contents and liability insurance
Car insurance
Motorcycle insurance
Mortgages
Four steps to make your move to Switzerland easier
What do you need to consider when moving to Switzerland? What are the possible challenges? Is it the right step for you and your family? Comparis provides comprehensive information:
Which entry regulations apply in Switzerland?
How much does it cost to live in Switzerland?
What do I need to know about residence and work permits?
Are there any other special things to know about moving to Switzerland?
You’ve made your decision: you want to live in Switzerland. You now have to start planning your move. Besides information, Comparis offers a range of services to make your relocation easier:
What’s on the to-do list? Our comprehensive moving checklist
Find your new home on the Switzerland’s biggest online property marketplace
What do I need to know about finding a job?
The time has come: you’re about to move. Comparis helps you remember the most important steps.
What paperwork do I need to complete with the authorities, and by when?
What insurance should I take out first?
You’ve arrived. Welcome to Switzerland! You’ll want to get your new home set up and then settle in as quickly as possible. Comparis can help you by providing comparisons of various services in a whole range of areas. We’ll also introduce you to the culture and peculiarities of life in Switzerland:
Find out more details about life in Switzerland
Do your research on withholding tax
Compare mobile phone and internet plans
How Comparis can help you with your move to Switzerland
Being well prepared is everything when you’re relocating. Comparis can help by providing a huge amount of knowledge in one place. What’s more, you can also find your new apartment or house through our website – and you can compare goods and services relating to areas such as insurance, finance, mobility, health and telecommunications.
Important things to know
Our content, tips and comparisons are available to you free of charge.
Extensive product comparisons
Find and compare the right products and services for your needs.
Independent and neutral
Neither the government nor any other company holds a stake in Comparis. Comparis is independent and neutral.
Important things to know
Our content, tips and comparisons are available to you free of charge.
Extensive product comparisons
Find and compare the right products and services for your needs.
Independent and neutral
Neither the government nor any other company holds a stake in Comparis. Comparis is independent and neutral.
From the initial thoughts about moving, to life in Switzerland
Whether you are just playing with the idea, about to move, or have already relocated to Switzerland – we provide tips on the challenges involved.
Practical tips for your move to Switzerland
Moving to another country is a big step. These practical tips will help you before and during your relocation to Switzerland.
The cost of an apartment
Finding the right job
Formalities when entering the country
Importing a vehicle
FAQs about moving to Switzerland
That depends on a variety of factors. If you are an EU or EFTA citizen, you can stay in Switzerland for three months to find a job. Once you find employment, you are entitled to stay. However, if you come from what is termed a “third” country, you will need to have an employment contract and the related work permit, or a study place, before you arrive. Don't forget: a foreign national’s family members may also come to live in Switzerland, subject to certain conditions. The following are considered family members: spouses, children under the age of 21 and relatives for whom the immigrating person has a right of custody or care. You can find additional information on residence permits in Switzerland here.
EU and EFTA citizens receive a B residence permit if they have an employment contract that is for at least 12 months or permanent. This permit is valid for five years and can be extended, and can also be used as a basis for levying withholding tax.
The C settlement permit is valid indefinitely and is granted after five years to those from EU and EFTA states who are in gainful employment. With the exception of the right to vote and be elected as well as military service, holders have the same rights and obligations as Swiss citizens.
Read this Comparis article for more information.
In Switzerland, the amount of tax you pay differs from canton to canton and depends on a variety of factors. The fastest and easiest way to work out what tax you can expect to pay is to use the Comparis withholding tax calculator. It also allows you to compare tax between cantons.
Your foreign driving licence is valid for 12 months after you arrive in Switzerland. You need to register with your cantonal road traffic office within this period (link not available in English). You can find further information and a summary of the documents you need in this article. We’ve put together more details about importing and registering your car here.
You don’t really need to understand Swiss German, because people in German-speaking Switzerland also speak standard German (high German), and all signs are in German. At the same time, Swiss people do appreciate it if you know a few words of Swiss German. We have put together a little dictionary to help you. If you would like to learn the language, you can take a course, for example at the Migros Klubschule (not available in English).
Important: German is spoken in the largest region of Switzerland. However, there are also regions where French, Italian and Romansh are spoken.